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April 30, 2012

Become familiar with your controller and take advantage of its features. Check the manufacturer’s website for videos on how to program it correctly.

Set your irrigation controller so that the system does not activate between 10:00AM and 6:00PM when most water is lost due to evaporation.

Avoid overspray – Ensure that your irrigation system only sprays water on landscaped areas, not on concrete, wood, stone, brick or other impervious surfaces such as sidewalks, streets, driveways, fences or walls, which cause water runoff.

Adjust your watering schedule to the season. Decrease or cease watering when grass should be dormant during cooler weather months.

Adjust the run time and frequency on the controller, based on changing rainfall and temperatures.

Program your controller timer to cycle and soak to prevent over watering.

Check sprinkler heads to remove dirt or debris that may clog nozzle heads. Once a month, run the system on a short cycle and make any needed adjustments or minor repairs.

Consult a licensed irrigator if the irrigation system requires major repairs.

Install a rain or moisture shutoff device or another technology to prevent the system from operating in the rain or when soil moisture is sufficient.

Maintain the correct water pressure. Your irrigation system should not operate below nor above the manufacturer’s published specifications for the equipment being used. High water pressures waste water.